Suicide and self-harm are world-wide public health issues that can have devastating effects on families, friends and communities. They are both a priority for anyone working in mental health, social work, emergency departments and related fields, however suicidal and self-harming behaviour can take place anywhere anytime - it may be a pupil in a school, an inmate in a prison or a colleague or family member. For this reason, this book has been written in a clear, accessible and practical style for anyone who wants to learn more about working with and preventing suicidal and self-harming behaviour.
- It identifies common risk and protective factors as well as specific warning signs of imminent suicidal behaviour
- It provides essential communication skills for undertaking a risk assessment, illustrating how each skill can be used in real-life practice.
- It looks specifically at the issue of self-harm and suicide in prisons, schools and emergency departments
- It lays out clear strategies for identifying and addressing issues of self-care when working with people who are suicidal or who self-harm
- It identifies how we can assist those who are bereaved following the death of a loved one by suicide
Packed with learning outcomes, case scenarios and reflective questions, this book acts as a toolkit for anyone working in this difficult field.

Louise Doyle is Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.

Introduction
1. Understanding Suicide and Self-harm
2. Self-harm, Suicide and Stigma
3. Risk and Protective Factors for Self-harm and Suicide
4. Suicide and Self-Harm Across the Life-Span
5. Understanding and Responding to Self-Harm
6. Communicating with People who are Suicidal
7. Self-care: Professional and Personal Considerations
8. Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention and Reduction
9. Postvention
10. Self-harm and Suicide in Prisons, Schools and Emergency Departments.